Innehållsförteckning för 2022-09-05 från Cape Argus

A group of civil society organisations have raised serious concern about the ongoing queerphobic bullying and discrimination against queer learners in South African schools. Uthingo Network, an LGBTQI+ organisation based in Pietermaritzburg, and 16 other civil society organisations wrote an open letter to Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, calling on her to hold teachers accountable and create queer-affirming school environments. The letter, dated August 26, also brought to light the suicide of school pupils who were allegedly the victims of queerphobic bullying. The civic organisations believe that a school environment not inclusive of queer learners limits their right to access education. Here is an edited verison of the open letter: Minister Motshekga, The ongoing queerphobic bullying and discrimination against queer learners by teachers and fellow learners are concerning. We…

African policymakers, scientists and other “social actors” are duty-bound to use the continent’s biodiversity and arable land to take Africa and her people out of the “trap of grinding and debilitating poverty”, says Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande. He believes there is an urgent need to understand and embrace the bio-economy for Africa’s socio-economic development and sustainability. Nzimande was addressing the 5th Bio Africa Convention at the Durban International Convention Centre under the theme: “Africa Resilient, Life Sciences Innovation for Achieving Health and food security”. Across the world, the concept of a bio-economy is being embraced as a sustainable model that brings together all commercial activity surrounding the use of renewable biological resources such as crops, forests, animals and micro-organisms, agricultural waste and residual materials.…

The proposed Unlawful Entry on Premises Bill caused a stir on social media after a video was circulated claiming that the bill prevents you from self-defence if someone trespasses on your property. The bill, drafted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to repeal and replace the Trespass Act of 1959, is currently out for public comment. The video, since deleted, was widely shared on TikTok and Facebook and featured a woman describing a hypothetical home invasion and claiming that if the bill became law it would be illegal for homeowners to defend themselves against housebreakers. In the video the woman said: “Your only duty is to inform the intruders that they are intruding and if you feel threatened you must inform the SAPS.” The woman in the video…

AFTER a meeting between Eskom and Macassar stakeholders at the weekend, a resolution was reached for the contractor widening parts of Macassar Road to cease the work until Eskom ensures it is safe to continue. For three days last week, residents were without electricity when the contractor struck a cable supplying the Macassar area with power. Eskom confirmed that the numerous electricity supply issues since Saturday morning were due to multiple faults caused by cable damage during roadworks operations. It said the underground cable was further exposed to water ingress yesterday, causing breaker trips. Other resolutions include the reassessment of the contractor’s safety plan on site to ensure the safety of road users, and the use of ground-penetrating radar to avoid similar problems when the contractor proceeds with work on…

Policy shifts were needed with Eskom, the government and energy sphere to ensure progress in resolving the country’s energy crisis. Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Open Book Festival, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said load shedding was the biggest “handbrake” on the economy and that there was no good technical reason why it was still taking place, all reasons pointing to a lack of political will. The mayor was joined on stage at Cape Town’s Homecoming Centre yesterday for a discussion on the future of energy provision in Cape Town and Eskom by journalist and author Kyle Cowan and African Climate Foundation’s Saliem Fakir. The discussion was based on Cowan’s recently published Sabotage: Eskom Under Siege, a story of conspiracy and subterfuge at South Africa’s ailing power…

As fate would have it, the same individuals who were at the forefront of the Struggle were entrusted with the responsibility of running the post-1994 state machinery. This development was to be expected. After all, the masses had repeatedly stated their leaders were either in prison or in exile. In ANC parlance, leadership must come from those who can boast Struggle credentials. They must have been “tried and tested”. This thinking gave us Rolihlahla Mandela (prison), Thabo Mbeki (exile), Gedleyihlekisa Zuma (prison and exile). Unlike his predecessors, Ramaphosa was a product of the ANC’s internal mass movement. There was a foreboding that exiles were too eager to negotiate with the regime. Ramaphosa represented the legitimate frustrations of those who felt that leadership should emerge from those who confronted the military…

While Blitzboks speedster Muller du Plessis is a fan of the extra thrill factor the format of the Rugby World Cup Sevens brings, he is also alert to how it amplifies the pressure. The showpiece, which kicks off on Friday and concludes on Sunday, will feature a knockout format right from the start. If you drop a game, you’re out – no second chances. It certainly adds to the already action-packed code and while it is very different to the standard Sevens events, Du Plessis is ready for the challenge. “It is obviously different to any other tournament we have played in, but the good thing is that it is new to all the teams,” he said. The sudden-death arrangement isn’t the only way in which the World Cup weekend…

RED Bull’s Max Verstappen won his home Dutch Grand Prix from pole position for the second year in a row yesterday and stretched his Formula One lead to a massive 109 points. George Russell finished second for Mercedes with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completing the podium at Zandvoort and Verstappen also taking a bonus point for fastest lap. Leclerc and Verstappen’s Mexican teammate Sergio Perez are tied on points, but the Ferrari driver is ahead on wins with seven rounds remaining - and Verstappen more than four race victories clear. In the constructors’ standings, Red Bull have 511 points to Ferrari’s 376. “They threw everything at us, but we made the right calls,” said Verstappen over the team radio as he took his fourth win in a row, and 10th of…

The Limpopo Department of Education is confident the 2022 matric class will improve the overall pass rate of the province as they sit for their preliminary exams. The Limpopo province obtained less than a 70% matric pass rate in 2021, but the department said they were working on strategies to improve the results. Provincial Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya monitored the first day of the Grade 12 preliminary exams at Molautsi Secondary School in Moletjie in Polokwane on Monday. Lerule-Ramakhanya urged pupils to approach the preparatory exams as if they were their final matric exams. “It is only through commitment and dedication that you can reach your dreams. I urge you to use this time wisely, study hard and treat the trial examination like a final. We are rallying behind you.…

Local horror film Mlungu Wam will send chills down audiences’ spines when it makes its debut soon. Still basking from its recent successful run at the Toronto International Film Festival 2022, Mlungu Wam will be screened in South Africa from October 20 in Cape Town and Joburg. This post-apartheid eerie psychological thriller follows Tsidi, played by Chumisa Cosa, a single mother who is forced to move in with her estranged mother Mavis who is played by Nosipho Mtebe, a live-in domestic worker caring obsessively for her “catatonic white madam”. Still mourning the loss of her grandmother, Tsidi leaves her home in Gugulethu after an irreconcilable feud with her relatives. With nowhere else to stay, Tsidi and her nine-year-old daughter Winnie who is played by Kamvalethu Jonas Raziya, have no choice…

The City’s safety and security directorate, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), an association representing Amaphela drivers, the SAPS and other role-players are expected to meet today. The meeting comes after two violent clashes between the City, the SAPS and Amaphela drivers over the impoundment of their taxis in Nyanga for reportedly operating without permits. Over the weekend a protest by Amaphela drivers turned into chaos, with SAPS vehicles, private vehicles, Golden Arrow buses and public facilities being destroyed amid attacks on officials. Following the protest, the City’s safety and security Mayco member, JP Smith, condemned the incidents, saying there was no need for the violence that ensued each time enforcement operations were conducted in local communities. Smith said the violence – allegedly by Amaphela drivers and owners – was…

Rafieka Williams Zandile Mafe, accused of setting Parliament ablaze, has yet again failed to appear in court. Mafe was scheduled to appear for pre-trial conference at the Western Cape High Court on Friday, but his lawyer, Luvuyo Godla, told the court he refused to leave his prison cell. Once again, proceedings had to be held in his absence. State advocate Mervyn Menigo told the court that all documents needed to defend Mafe had been given to Godla, who confirmed receipt and told the court of his client’s demands. Godla said Mafe, in custody at Pollsmoor Prison, had requested a kettle for coffee, hot water for bathing, and a television and radio The radio has been supplied. On August 12, Godla told the court that Mafe was too weak to…

The Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum (MPCF) is partnering with New Identity Theatre Academy for a fund-raising event to aid the organisation in reaching more victims of trauma caused by losing loved ones to violent crimes. The forum was established in 2017, following the rape and murder of Stacha Arends and has been helping families who have experienced trauma through violent crimes, such as rape, sexual offences, gender-based violence, murder or gangsterism to heal by offering counselling and court support. Tania Arends, the MPCF vice-chairperson said the organisation received no funding from government and was established after community activists and the Arends family realised that resources available to families who were thrust into the criminal justice system as victims were sorely lacking. “To go through something like this, it doesn’t…

The Elim Night Shelter celebrated its 25th anniversary and the opening of its second-phase building project while those involved in its operations and former residents swopped stories of overcoming addiction, abuse and life on the streets. Former police detective and shelter manager Shafeek Ortell entered the shelter in 2009. Ortell was battling drug addiction and had lost all his family and friends after leaving the police. Ortell, with his wife Liza, now manages the Christian-based shelter in Elsies River. For the past seven years, donors and fund-raisers have been raising funds for the second-phase building, just metres away from the shelter. The building consists of 14 bedrooms, four bathrooms, two kitchens and two living areas, and can accommodate up to 21 adults, including couples, for R1 950 a month. “The…

With many landfills soon to reach full capacity, reducing waste has become a priority not only for the government, but also schools, households and businesses hoping to assist through a range of efforts, including turning food waste into resources and reducing emissions associated with the crowded landfills. In support of the global Zero Waste Week campaign, which kicks off today, the local Green School South Africa is encouraging South Africans to relook at their food consumption, procurement options, food waste opportunities and reduce the use of synthetic materials and plastic packaging. The school was a “zero-waste-to-landfill” school in Paarl and shared how others could eliminate waste. Green School South Africa co-founder Alba Brandt said households, businesses and other schools could reduce food waste by growing their own produce, buying fresh…

Mamelodi Sundowns remain the overwhelming favourites to win the Premiership title again this season, despite their mixed start to the season. The Brazilians have not made an ideal start to the campaign, but the fact remains that the size and quality of their squad is second to none in the league. Truth be told, Sundowns are to South African football what Manchester City are to the English Premier League. City are the best team in the English top-flight, but are not top of the log due to Arsenal having made a flying start to the new season. However, while the Arsenal have done well so far, the overwhelming consensus is that they ultimately do not have enough depth and quality in their squad to sustain their current level of form…

Parliament’s Select Committee on Education and Technology, Arts and Culture has welcomed the progress made on the Department of Science and Technology’s Decadal Plan, “as it supports technological innovation and scientific research for the benefit of all South Africans”. The Decadal Plan addresses the department’s efforts to position all government departments to adopt innovation and technological advancement. In welcoming the Decadal Plan, the committee chairperson, Elleck Nchabeleng, urged the department to brief it frequently on developments in line with the committee’s responsibility to conduct oversight on government departments. Nchabeleng said government departments should indicate a standing item on their programmes and budgets as to how they will accommodate and encourage innovation in line with the Decadal Plan. “The committee is pleasantly excited by the work that seems to have been…

FIVE years after their messy public split, rapper AKA’s former girlfriend, model Nicole Nyaba, gave audiences a fly-on-the-wall experience of their relationship in the latest episode of Gigi Lamayne’s Point of View. Nyaba said she hooked up with AKA after he said he was single in 2018. According to her, the relationship lasted a few months and it wasn’t all rosy. She said: “He is a romantic guy but he’s the devil and he’s sneaky. And knowing what I know now, he’s not sincere. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself. “I should’ve never trusted him as a friend, as a lover, as anything.” Nyaba warned other women against dating the Run Jozi hitmaker. “I’m not saying don’t be with him, but just know what you expect … just know…

The desperate attempts of a man to evade arrest by hiding up a tree after he allegedly robbed a domestic worker in Westville proved unsuccessful after he was caught by police and a private security company. Mobi-Claw 911 spokesperson Mike Myers said Mobi-Claw operations director Wynand Laatz was driving to the office when he was flagged down by a former colleague from the SAPS. “The SAPS member reported to Wynand that he was searching the area for a suspect who had just robbed a domestic worker at knifepoint while she was walking on the road,” he said. Myers said the SAPS member provided the description of the suspect and requested assistance from Laatz. “Wynand circulated the information to the local responder network in the area, resulting in a number of…

In its response to the rampant crime plaguing the Cape Flats, the EFF in the metro launched a patrol programme at the weekend in Mitchells Plain, aiming to restore safety in communities. Informed by engagements which the party said were undertaken in 2014 which revealed safety to be the number one concern, the programme would be rolled out to other areas in the metro, including Manenberg, Hanover Park, Athlone, Langa and Khayelitsha. The party said EFF on Patrol was one of many intervention programmes that would be rolled out within drug and gang-infested communities across the Cape Flats. Regional treasurer Aishah Cassiem said all patrollers strictly came from launched party branches across the Cape metro and would target several crime hot spots, schools, bus stops and other public facilities,…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the call for society not to sit by in silence as criminals continue to wage war against the women and men in blue. Ramaphosa was speaking during the SAPS National Commemoration Day, set aside to honour police officers who lose their lives in the fight against crime. He said the day should also serve to mobilise society against the killing of the lawmen. “No society can remain silent when criminals have clearly declared war on the police … If criminals bother to read history, they must know that no one has ever defeated the people. Those responsible for police killings who have not yet been arrested must know that wherever they are, they will be found and they will face the full might of the…

A right royal ruckus has erupted over the scheduled launch tomorrow of the Griqua Royal Council Western Cape branch with two members of the Griqua nation each claiming to be the rightful representative of the Griqua royal house. The man behind the launch is the Northern Cape’s ZF Mgcawu District Municipality speaker Stanley Peterson, who has sent out invitations and said he is launching the roll-out of the royal house under the auspices of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. Peterson, who is also president of the Khoisan Revolution Party, said the act allows the opening of branches outside their territory and he was coming to Cape Town as there were members of the community in the Western Cape and across the country who would benefit. However, Contralesa Deputy Secretary-General…

Our townships are burning, innocent lives are being lost, innocent passengers who are breadwinners are severely affected, and our infrastructure is destroyed. This must be condemned in the strongest terms because it is unacceptable. The law must take its course and bring perpetrators to book. But even if that were to be the case, it would not address the root cause of the problem. There is a tendency by some people in our governments to flex their muscles by choosing a confrontational rather than a collaborative approach when addressing our problems, especially when they are multifaceted. What is the root cause? Three main issues are a bone of contention leading to many problems in our transport industry, particularly the minibus taxi industry. 1. Failure by the government to subsidise this…

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse was a standout performer in their 24-8 Rugby Championship win over the Wallabies in Sydney, but he refused to take the credit for his superb performance at flyhalf. With Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies unavailable due to injury, Willemse got an opportunity to start at 10 in the rematch against Australia, in which the Boks secured their first win Down Under since 2013. At the weekend, the Stormers star, who has become a trusted force for the Boks at No 15 and also impressed at 12, produced a fine outing as he not only controlled proceedings well, but also brought a dynamic edge and added some top touches on attack. Speaking after the game, the 24-year-old had nothing but praise for Jantjies. “It wasn’t really…

Maritzburg United (0) 1 Soukouna 80-pen Orlando Pirates 0 Pirates’ wastefulness in front of goal continued to let them down as they lost at Maritzburg United in the Premiership yesterday. After scoring two goals in their 2-1 win over Royal AM in the MTN8 quarter-final a week ago, Pirates were expected to build on that victory. But, at a packed Harry Gwala Stadium, they shot blanks and they were punished by a late Amadou Soukouna penalty in the second half. The result means Pirates remain third on the league standings with 11 points, while Maritzburg moved up to seventh with nine points. The two teams came into the match on a high after they both recorded victories in their last outings. Pirates were expected to have the upper hand, though,…